The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently granted $500,000 in Emergency Relief funds to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for highway repairs after a rock slide significantly damaged SH 14 in Idaho County.
The funds will come from the federal “quick release” budget, which is crucial for state DOTs that need to complete transportation infrastructure repairs after natural disasters or other catastrophes.
“Emergency Relief funding will help the state repair and reopen SH 14, which is the only access for several communities in the area,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “DOT will help get repairs underway as quickly as possible.”
The Feb. 18 rock slide damaged approximately 500 feet of SH 14 between Elk City and Grangeville, a stretch of the only roadway that residents in Dixie, Elk City, Orogrande and Red River can access in the winter, as heavy snow blocks other roads.
ITD will create a detour until the stretch is cleared and repaired.
“Emergency Relief funding will help Idaho address the needed repairs and restore travel for these communities,” Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. “We know residents want to regain their mobility as soon as possible.”